Mariah Carey Set To Headline Winter Olympics Ceremony/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Mariah Carey will perform at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, bringing star power to the event. The 56-year-old pop icon was announced as the first international artist scheduled for the San Siro Stadium spectacle. Organizers describe her as the perfect symbol of the emotion and harmony of the Games.
Mariah Carey Olympics Performance Quick Looks
- Mariah Carey confirmed as first major performer for 2026 Olympics
- Opening ceremony set for February 6 at San Siro Stadium in Milan
- Carey shared excitement on Instagram: “See you in Milan”
- Organizers highlight her emotional resonance with Olympic spirit
- Event to include smaller simultaneous ceremonies in mountain clusters
- Ballet star Roberto Bolle to lead the closing ceremony on Feb. 22
- Winter Games will be held across northern Italy
- Music and storytelling to shape the theme of harmony at the event
Mariah Carey Set To Headline Winter Olympics Ceremony
Deep Look
The global spotlight will shine a little brighter on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, thanks to the addition of international music icon Mariah Carey to the opening ceremony lineup. Organizers of the Milan Cortina Games announced that Carey, 56, will bring her signature voice and international appeal to the event’s official kickoff on February 6 at Milan’s San Siro Stadium.
Mariah Carey, widely known for her holiday anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” becomes the first major international star confirmed to perform at the opening festivities. She acknowledged the news by posting “Ci vediamo a Milano” — Italian for “See you in Milan” — on Instagram, further building excitement around her appearance.
According to the local organizing committee, Carey represents the emotional energy and universal language of music that aligns with the spirit of the Olympics.
In a statement, the committee said: “Mariah Carey fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run-up to the Games. Music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities, and intertwines with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.”
This high-profile announcement reflects the committee’s commitment to delivering an opening ceremony that blends culture, emotion, and international flair. By tapping into Carey’s global recognition and appeal, the organizers aim to connect with viewers worldwide and enhance the ceremony’s reach beyond the sporting community.
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will span several locations across northern Italy, including both city venues and mountain regions. In a move to bring the festivities to more people, organizers will also host smaller, simultaneous opening ceremonies in three of the mountain clusters. These satellite ceremonies will reflect regional culture while remaining linked to the main celebration in Milan.
Carey’s presence is expected to be a focal point of the main ceremony in San Siro, a stadium historically associated with top-level soccer but increasingly used for major cultural events. The venue’s transformation into an Olympic stage symbolizes the blend of sport, performance, and international unity that defines the Games.
The emotional and thematic tone set by Carey’s performance will be carried through the entire Olympic season, culminating in a culturally rich closing ceremony in Verona. There, internationally renowned ballet dancer Roberto Bolle will take center stage at the ancient Roman Arena on February 22. Bolle, a native of Italy, is expected to bring elegance and gravitas to the final chapter of the 2026 Games.
The inclusion of both Carey and Bolle reflects a carefully curated blend of global star power and local artistry. While Carey’s pop credentials and mass appeal aim to energize and inspire an international audience, Bolle’s classical background underscores the cultural sophistication of Italy’s Olympic presentation.
With less than two months remaining until the opening ceremony, preparations across northern Italy are intensifying. From venue readiness to artistic rehearsals, organizers are racing to ensure a seamless experience that honors Olympic tradition while showcasing Italy’s rich cultural landscape.
The Winter Games, set against the scenic backdrops of the Alps and vibrant cities like Milan and Verona, promise a unique celebration of athletic excellence and artistic expression. With Mariah Carey now officially part of that vision, the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics are poised to open with a harmonious blend of music, emotion, and global unity.
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